'Romeo and Juliet': writing a nuanced response on societal expectations
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write a nuanced response on societal expectations in 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Key learning points
- An essay should have a strong central argument.
- Use an evaluative or critical thesis to “hang” your essay on and support with clear topic sentences.
- Analysis of writer's methods should be interwoven and used to support each other.
- Context should be highly selective and used to add to your argument.
- Essays should focus on the writer’s intentions - the conclusion is an opportunity to summarise this.
Keywords
Intention - something that you want and plan to do; an aim
Evaluative - making an informed judgment based on careful analysis and consideration of the text
Nuanced - has subtle details that make it complex and interesting
Critical response - a thorough explanation of your understanding of a text
Societal expectations - the beliefs and norms that a society holds about how individuals should behave and act
Common misconception
Using counter-arguments throughout your essay makes it a stronger argument.
You should have one clear, critical response to the question that informs your whole essay.
Teacher tip
You could ask students to write their essay for homework or in the next lesson if it would be beneficial to spend more time responding to the question and planning their response.
Equipment
You may wish to have a copy of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In an analytical essay, which of the following is the definition of a thesis statement?
Q2.In an analytical paragraph, which of the following should a topic sentence do?
Q3.'A play dealing with tragic events that usually ends with death' is the definition of which word beginning with 't'?
Q4.'Something that you want and plan to do; an aim' is the definition of which word beginning with 'i'?
Q5.'Behave or act in the opposite way to socially acceptable conventions or standards' is the definition of which word beginning with 's'?
Q6.'The beliefs and norms that a society holds about how individuals should behave and act' is the definition of expectations.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the single paragraph outline component with the definition.
overarching argument of the entire essay
explains the focus of the individual paragraph
analysis of methods
summarises the individual paragraph
Q2.Place the elements of a conclusion in chronological order.
Q3.'Behave in line with socially acceptable conventions or standards' is the definition of which word beginning with 'c'?
Q4.'A thorough explanation of your understanding of a text' is the definition of a response.
Q5.'Making an informed judgment based on careful analysis and consideration of the text' is the definition of which word beginning with 'e'?
Q6.'Has subtle details that make it complex and interesting' is the definition of which word beginning with 'n'?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Romeo and Juliet': writing a nuanced response on societal expectations, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Romeo and Juliet': writing a nuanced response on societal expectations, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the Romeo and Juliet: the tragedy of societal expectations unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.